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Play Safe Rackets

WAYS TO PLAY SAFE RACKETS

There are several ways that players can enjoy Rackets whilst observing Government guidelines and social distancing measures.

But one fundamental rule first: DO NOT PLAY IF YOU OR ANYBODY IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD IS SHOWING SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 OR YOU HAVE BEEN ASKED TO SELF- ISOLATE

The following descriptions outline the different ways to play that should be adhered to and are relevant for all levels of ability.

All players must follow Government, T&RA and club-specific guidelines when attending including hand and touch point hygiene and maintaining social distancing requirements from all other people in the building and around the court.

To ensure that social distancing can be maintained throughout the activity, there should be no more than two players on court at one time

1. Full Rackets game/ Competitive Rackets

Players from the same household or support bubble can play ‘normal’ Rackets as they would have prior to COVID-19.

2. Solo practice

Individual players can practice Rackets on their own. Options include a range of solo practices and drills to help maintain and improve Rackets skills and general fitness

3. Zones

‘Zones’ is a modified version of Rackets that allows two players from different households (outside a common support bubble) to play on court at the same time:

• Only two players permitted
• The aim is to hit a winner or force an error from your opponent as in regular Rackets
• Only one player serves / touches the ball with their hand during the match
• Both players must keep to their side of the court throughout each rally, using the full length of the court whilst maintaining safe social distancing throughout
• If a player crosses into the other side of the court, they immediately forfeit the rally
• If there is a danger of players breaching a safe social distance, they must call a let and replay the rally
• Once a rally is complete, players switch sides of the court (maintaining a safe social distance) and the server restarts play

General T&RA Guidelines

The points below have been suggested to mitigate spreading and catching of the virus through aerosol or physical transmission. The content has been developed to encourage the ‘restart’ of safe Rackets, with regards to practice and social play – any separate guidance for competitive play shall be provided by tournament organisers at an appropriate time in the future.

Preparing to play

• Court bookings should be done following procedures set out by professional / clubs
• Do not play if you (or a member of your household) are showing Covid-19 symptoms
• Do not play if you are shielding as a vulnerable individual
• Wash your hands before leaving home, and after returning. Bring your own hand sanitizer gel.
• Avoid using public transport to travel to the court if possible
• You should arrive changed at the court 5 minutes before play. Changing and showering facilities will not be available in most locations
• You should bring a towel, and a glove for your non-playing hand
• Use your own equipment, you should not borrow or share equipment with others
• Collection of balls should be in line procedures from each venue
• Resist the temptation to socialise with users of the courts prior to, or after your booking

On-court

• If you need to sneeze or cough, do so into a tissue or upper sleeve
• Avoid touching your face
• Avoid touching the court walls. Wiping a sweaty hand on the wall of the court should not be done under any circumstance
• Use a towel stored at the front of the court to wipe away sweat
• Wear a sweatband / headband to avoid sweating on the court
• You are advised to wear eye protection to minimise injury and having to make a trip to hospital (and so an increased chance of catching Covid-19). It may also discourage a player from touching their face whilst playing
• You are advised to wear a glove on your non-playing hand to reduce the tendency to touch your face
• Each player should only handle a defined set of balls that are clearly marked for their use. Avoid handling balls not marked for your use
• Reduce the amount of times entering and exiting the court door as much as possible
• Sessions of play should be limited to 40 mins to allow time for players to wipe down courts and vacate the area without ‘congestion’ in the nearby areas
• If you are having a lesson – the professional may provide further directions to be followed
• If you are training – further risks can be reduced by performing drills that limit the movement of individuals to zones within the court (see above)

After Play

• Using disinfectant, wipe down the court where there are visible marks / sweat on the court floor and walls, as well as the walls around the service areas
• Using disinfectant wipe down the door handles on both sides of the door
• Dispose of disinfectant wipes in a bin provided
• Do not congregate after playing. No socialising should take place around the court with players who have booked the court after you
• Remember to take everything with you after you have played
• Returning of balls should follow procedures of each club venue
• If you start to show symptoms within two weeks of playing, please let your club’s management / school’s master in charge know.